Paint brush

ABSTRACT

An artist&#39;s paint brush comprises a ferrule having a forward end and a backward end, an elongated handle connected to the backward end of the ferrule, and a brush portion secured to the forward end of the ferrule and extending outwardly therefrom. The brush portion has at least two pluralities of bristle tufts, with the pluralities of bristle tufts being spaced apart from each other by lengths of the bristle tufts.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Patent Applications No. 29/220,864; No. 29/220,882; No. 29/220,901; and No. 29/220,905, filed on Jan. 6, 2005 and herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to paintbrushes, and more particularly, to a paintbrush with a tuft or bristle profile designed for producing unique streaking effects such as, for example, for reproducing representations of animal hair or coats.

Artist's paint brushes are typically for the painting. However, one of the problems which challenge the artist or user is that of providing a paintbrush capable of painting efficiently, for example, natural patterns of animal hairs and coats. In addition, the painting of a person's head or beard remains challenging.

Various bristle patterns have been used in the past for artist's brushes. It should be noted that although a paintbrush is used to apply paint, brush marks are typically indentations made by brush bristles. Further, a flow pattern of paint from brush to wall or canvas or other surface to be painted reflects a profile created by tufts or groups of bristles and painted surface particularities.

Typically, brushes are of greater width than thickness to facilitate paint application. Although curved or straight line painting details are important in most applications, another typically important detail has been the ease and fast coverage of the surface to be painted. As such, conventional paint brushes characteristically include a bundle or tuft of bristles with a working end for applying the paint or other fluid-like material to the to-be-painted surface. The bristles usually extend lengthwise in relation to the ferrule as does a typical handle received in the ferrule to facilitate use of the brush. In contrast, artist brushes are typically used to selectively apply relatively small amounts of paint with a specific emphasis on details.

Paintbrush users, e.g. artists, typically require tools or instruments that are comfortable and provide the users with a comfortable and secure grip. Often, many users prefer the warmth, comfort and feel of a natural wood handle when using a paint brush, for example. However, the comfort of a wooden brush handle sometimes is offset by its slipperiness and decreased durability.

In view of the above discussed artist brush characteristics, it is advantageous to provide a brush capable of painting efficiently, for example, natural patterns of animal hairs and coats, and having a handle configuration that is comfortable and durable.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention is defined by the following claims. This description summarizes some aspects of the present embodiments and should not be used to limit the claims.

A paint brush comprises a ferrule having a forward end and a backward end. An elongate handle is connected to the backward end of the ferrule, and a brush portion is secured to the forward end of the ferrule and extending outwardly therefrom. The brush portion has at least two pluralities of bristle tufts, with the pluralities of bristle tufts being spaced apart from each other by lengths of the bristle tufts. One of the pluralities of brush tufts is capable of painting a corresponding plurality of substantially distinct and adjacent marks.

In an alternate feature, at least one of the pluralities of bristle tufts is fanned outwardly from the ferrule, and at least one of the pluralities of fanned bristle tufts defines a substantially arcuate edge.

In another alternate feature, at least one of the pluralities of bristle tufts defines an edge at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the brush portion.

Further aspects and advantages of the invention are described below in conjunction with the present embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention, together with the advantages thereof, may be understood by reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 a is a plan view along a width of an embodiment of a paint brush in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 1 b is a side view of the paint brush of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 2 a is a plan view of another embodiment of a paint brush in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 2 b is a side view along a width of the paint brush of FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 3 a is a plan view of another embodiment of a paint brush in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 3 b is a side view along a width of the paint brush of FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 4 a is a plan view of another embodiment of a paint brush in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 b is a side view along a width of the paint brush of FIG. 4 a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

While the present invention may be embodied in many forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

In this application, the use of the disjunctive is intended to include the conjunctive. The use of definite or indefinite articles is not intended to indicate cardinality. In particular, a reference to “the” object or “a or an” object is intended to denote also one of a possible plurality of such objects.

With reference to the drawings and initially to FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, a paint brush 10 is shown. The paint brush 10 has a handle 11, a ferrule 12, and a brush portion 13. The brush portion 13 extends from a forward end 12 a of ferrule 12, and the handle 11 is disposed into a rearward end 12 b of ferrule 12. Handle 11 is provided with a relatively thin front end portion (not shown) which is partially engaged with or received in the rearward end of ferrule 12. The front end portion of handle 11 is further partially covered by a soft yieldable hollow (tube-like) grip 14 in a complementary manner opposite ferrule 12. Handle 11 may have a central portion 15 with a larger cross-section than that of the thin front end to facilitate a holding of the paint brush with a user's fingers. Handle 11 tapers down to a rear end portion 16. Rear end portion 16 has a flat oval-like shape surface defining a pallet 17 which forms a substantially sharp angle with respect to a plane extending through a length of brush handle 11. Preferably, the pallet 17 forms the substantially sharp angle with a plane substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis along the length of handle 15 on brush 10. Ferrule 12 may be circular, oval or rectangular in cross-section, as shown in FIGS. 1 a-1 b.

The brush portion 13 has a tufted look or construction defined by a plurality of distinct groups of bristle tufts. The groups of bristle tufts are noticeably distinguishable from one another because of their correspondingly substantially dissimilar working lengths, i.e. respective lengths or longitudinal distal ends from ferrule 12, as shown in FIG. 1 b. Further, in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, a first tufted group 18 with relatively short bristles substantially surrounds, in width and thickness, both second and third groups of bristle tufts 19 and 20. The second tufted group 19 is defined by their corresponding longer bristles and each second group tuft is interposed between substantially adjacent longest tufts belonging to the third tufted group 20. Further, the bristle tufts of the first and second groups 18 and 19 are respectively trimmed at substantially equal lengths to exhibit a corresponding substantially abrupt linear edge. The bristle tufts of third tufted group 20 are additionally tapered toward their distal working ends to thereby define a substantially lesser thickness. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1 b, the three distinct tufted groups 18, 19 and 20, provide a cascading or a terracing profile at each of the three substantially distinct distal ends from the ferrule 12 and along the thickness of the brush portion 13. The tapered working ends of third tufted group 20 may define a substantially straight edge along the width of the distal end of the brush 13.

Further, second and third groups 19 and 20 define alternating bristle tufts with substantially dissimilar respective lengths, thereby defining longitudinal grooves or gaps 21 between adjacent longer tufts of the third group 20. As such, the shorter tufts of second group 19 delimit by their corresponding widths desirable gaps 21 between the adjacent longer tufts of third group 20, along the width of ferrule 12. This construction or configuration of the second and third groups 19 and 20 facilitates a working separation of painted marks while painting. Further, this arrangement of the three groups of tufts 18, 19 and 20 advantageously provides a substantial support for the third tufted group 20 when the paintbrush is used to apply paint.

As stated above, each tuft of third group 20 is tapered toward the working ends. As such, when the paintbrush is used to pick up and hold paint, bristles of each tuft of third group 20 are brought together to substantially form a corresponding wet pointed tuft. Accordingly, when wet the working ends of all third group tufts 20 define a series of adjacent wet pointed tufts. Thus, each tuft of third group 20 contributes to the creation of a distinctive narrow mark or streaking effect. The artist or user is therefore afforded a desirable and unique control of the application of paint on a surface to be painted. This desirable control preferably results in the application of substantially distinctly narrow paint marks or selective paint applications, such as streaking marks. Hence, with one brush stroke the artist may paint or draw simultaneously a plurality of substantially distinct and spaced paint marks. The substantially distinct paint marks are preferably parallel.

First and second groups of tufts 18 and 19 may also contribute to picking and holding of a desirable amount of paint or other fluid during a painting session. In addition, a respective number of tufted bristles allocated to each of the three groups may vary, thereby determining a thickness of the individual painted marks, as well as the relative distance between adjacently painted marks. Further, a shape or geometry of the forward or distal end 12 a of ferrule 12 may determine an outwardly direction of the tufts. For example, in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, distal end 12 a of ferrule 12 from handle 11 is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis A extending through handle 11 and ferrule 12. As a consequence, all the bristles forming the three distinct tuft groups, 18, 19 and 20, may extend outwardly at an angle to obtain a desirable working end width of brush portion 13, and longitudinally in relation to ferrule 12 and handle 11. Further, as third tufted group 20 may extend in substantially parallel direction and transversely to the width of the brush portion 13, a generally parallel formation of substantially spaced painted marks is facilitated during painting.

To secure handle 11 to ferrule 12, rearward end 12 b of ferrule 12 may be crimped or glued to the front portion of the handle 11. Preferably, rearward end 12 b of ferrule 12 may be of substantially cylindrical form with a slightly larger diameter than that of the thinner front portion of brush handle 11 (not shown) to fittingly engage the front portion of handle 11. Ferrule 12 may be formed of a thin sheet of metal rolled into the cylindrical form, or may already be a thin metallic cylinder. Preferably, a composition of the ferrule 12 is stainless steel in order to minimize any possibility of allergic reactions by the user. Typically, ferrule 12 may be flattened into a substantially oval or rectangular cross-sectional shape, in proximity of forward end 12 a, to a thickness appropriate to securely hold desired brush portion 13. Further, all the tufted bristles may be secured and anchored as a bundle or a plurality of bundles via their root ends (not shown) in ferrule 12. These root ends may also be bonded together by a suitable adhesive, such as epoxy or other suitable adhesive, to form at least one bristle knot upon hardening of the adhesive. Once cured or hardened in ferrule 12, the adhesive is not only adhered to the tufted bristles but also to an interior surface of ferrule 12 for holding the at least one bristle knot in place. The tufted bristles may be of synthetic, natural, or a combination of materials, as dictated by painting job characteristics or by the artist preference.

As stated above, the front end portion of handle 11 is partially covered by a soft yieldable hollow (tube-like) grip 14 in a complementary manner opposite rear-end 12 b of ferrule 12. Such handle cover grip 14 does not add any substantial amount of weight to handle 11 of paint brush 10 minimizing any substantial weight-related fatigue during lengthy use of the paintbrush, while still preventing any material breakdown due to frequent uses. In addition, cover grip 14 is made of materials that are durable, i.e. remain true, while being exposed regularly to diverse chemicals, such as paint, pastes and cleaning solutions. Such handle grips 14 provide a desirably comfortable grip area, i.e. grip size or width as related to a user's thumb and fingers, without being impractical for obvious reasons, such as inefficient and fatiguing gripping. Hence, such handle grips 14 are provided to comfortably fit the grip of the user and ergonomically engage the contact surfaces of the user's fingers. Handle cover grip 14 has typically an inner geometric structure provided to substantially match or conform to the corresponding geometric outer surface of the front end portion of handle 11.

Discussions and/or descriptions related to brush handle 11, cover grip 14, and to the adhesion of bristle portion 13 to ferrule 12 are similar in all of the proposed embodiments, and therefore will not be hereafter repeated.

Now referring to FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, another embodiment of paint brush 20 is shown with brush portion 23. In this embodiment, the plurality of bristle tufts may substantially fall into two groups of tufts. A first group 24 has tufts defined by substantially shorter bristles than the bristles of a second group 25. As such, each of first group tufts 24 is alternately positioned with substantially longer tufts belonging to second tufted group 25. That is, each of first group tufts 24 is interposed between adjacent longer tufts belonging to second tufted group 25. Both first and second tufted groups 24 and 25 extend outwardly and longitudinally in relation to ferrule 22 and handle 11 and have corresponding distal bristle ends that follow or trace respective arcuate contours. Consequently, both tufted groups 24 and 25 exhibit increasingly longer tufts as their respective location is tracked from one side of the width of brush portion 23 to a middle of the width of brush portion 23, as shown in FIG. 2 a.

Further, both tufted groups 24 and 25 are simultaneously tapered across the thickness of the tufts toward the distal end of the brush. First group tufts 24 may have substantially sharp or abrupt distal ends from forward end 22 a of ferrule 22 in a transverse manner to the width of brush portion 23. Second tufted group 25 is additionally tapered across the full thickness of the tufts toward their working ends to define a substantially lesser thickness at their respective working ends. These tapered working ends may define a substantially arcuate edge which transverses the width of the distal end of the brush 23. As such, first and second tufted groups 24 and 25 may define therebetween longitudinal grooves or gaps 26. The longitudinal gaps 26 increase in depths as their respective location is closer to the middle portion of the width of brush 23.

This construction or configuration of first and second groups 24 and 25 may facilitate a separation of painted marks while painting. Thus, each tuft of second group 25 may contribute to the creation of a substantially distinctive mark. The artist or user is therefore afforded a desirable control of the application of paint on a surface to be painted. This desirable control may preferably result in the application of substantially distinct paint marks. Hence, in effect, with one brush stroke the artist can paint or draw simultaneously a plurality of substantially distinct and spaced paint marks.

Now referring to FIGS. 3 a and 3 b, another embodiment of the paint brush 30 is shown with brush portion 33. In this embodiment, the plurality of bristle tufts may substantially fall into two groups of tufts. A first group 34 has tufts defined by substantially shorter bristles than the bristles of a second group 35. Each of first group tufts 34 is alternately positioned with substantially longer tufts belonging to second tufted group 35. That is, each of first group tufts 34 is interposed between adjacent longer tufts belonging to second tufted group 35. In this embodiment, both first and second tufted groups 34 and 35 have tufts that are fanned or flared in an outwardly direction from a forward end 32 a of ferrule 32. The fanning of both tufted groups 34 and 35 is obtained because all the tufts are substantially evenly mounted and extend outwardly from a relatively arcuate forward end 32 a of ferrule 32.

Both the first and second tufted groups 34 and 35 have corresponding distal bristle ends that follow respective arcuate contours. Further, both tufted groups 34 and 35 have tufts of substantially equal lengths, respectively, as their respective location is tracked from one side of the width of the brush portion 33 to another side of the width of the brush 33. Both tufted groups 34 and 35 are tapered across the thickness of the tufts toward the distal end of the brush portion 33, such that the second group tufts may have a substantially lesser thickness at their working ends. The first group tufts group 34 may exhibit substantially sharp and arcuately uniform first distal ends from forward end 32 a of ferrule 32.

The tapered working ends of second tufted group 35 may form a substantially fanned edge across the width of the brush portion 33. Preferably, due to their respective arcuate bristle end contours the first and second tufted group 34 and 35 may define therebetween angular grooves or gaps 36 of substantially equal depths. Further, as shown in FIG. 3 b, the two distinct tufted groups 34 and 35, may provide a cascading or a terracing profile at each of the two substantially distinct distal ends from forward end 32 a of ferrule 32 and along the thickness of the brush portion 33.

The corresponding construction or configuration of first and second groups 34 and 35 may facilitate a separation of painted marks while painting. Thus, each tuft of second group 35 may contribute to the creation of a substantially distinctive mark. The artist or user is therefore afforded a desirable control of the application of paint on a surface to be painted. This desirable control may preferably result in the application of substantially distinct paint marks. Hence, in effect, with one brush stroke the artist can paint or draw simultaneously a plurality of substantially distinct and spaced paint marks. Preferably, the substantially spaced paint marks are generally parallel.

Now referring to FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, another embodiment of the paint brush 40 is shown with brush portion 43. In this embodiment, the plurality of bristle tufts may substantially fall into two groups of tufts. A first group 44 has tufts defined by substantially shorter bristles than the bristles of a second group 45. Each of first group tufts 44 is alternately positioned with substantially longer tufts belonging to second tufted group 45. That is, each of first group tufts 44 is interposed between adjacent longer tufts belonging to second tufted group 45. Both first and second tufted groups 44 and 45 have corresponding distal bristle ends that follow or trace respective angled transverse edges. As such, both tufted groups 44 and 45 have tufts of substantially linearly increasing lengths, respectively, from one side of the width of the brush portion 43 to another side of the width of the brush portion 43. Further, both tufted groups 44 and 45 may be simultaneously tapered across the thickness of the tufts toward the distal end of the brush, such that second tufted group 45 has a substantially lesser thickness at their working ends, while first tufted group 44 traces a substantially abrupt linear edge.

Thus, first tufted group 44 has distal bristle ends substantially angled to a longitudinal axis B of handle 11 from forward end 42 a of ferrule 42 along the width of the brush portion 43, and the tapered working ends of the second tufted group 45 also form a substantially angled edge across the width of brush portion 43. As such, first and second tufted groups 44 and 45 define substantially parallel transverse angled bristle ends. Further, first and second tufted group 44 and 45 define therebetween grooves or gaps 46 of substantially equal depths. These grooves 46 may be staggered in progressively distal positions from forward end 42 a of ferrule 42 from one end to another end of the width of brush portion 43.

As shown in FIG. 4 b, two distinct tufted groups 44 and 45, may provide a cascading or a terracing profile at each of the two substantially angled distal ends from ferrule 42 along the thickness of brush portion 43. This corresponding construction or configuration of first and second groups 44 and 45 may facilitate adjacent painted marks while painting. Thus, each tuft of the second group 45 may contribute to the creation of a substantially distinctive mark. The artist or user is therefore afforded a desirable control of the application of paint on a surface to be painted. This desirable control may preferably result in the application of substantially distinct paint marks. Hence, in effect, with one brush stroke the artist can paint or draw simultaneously a plurality of substantially distinct and spaced paint marks. Preferably, the substantially spaced paint marks are generally parallel.

Specific embodiments of a paint brush, according to the present invention, have been described for the purpose of illustrating the manner in which the invention is used. It should be understood that the implementation of other variations and modifications of the invention and its various aspects will be apparent to one skilled in the art, and that the invention is not limited by the specific embodiments described. Therefore, it is contemplated to cover the present invention any and all modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall within the true spirit and scope of the basic underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein. 

1. An artist's paint brush comprising: a ferrule having a forward end and a backward end; an elongated handle connected to the backward end of the ferrule; and a brush portion secured to the forward end of the ferrule and extending outwardly therefrom, wherein the brush portion has at least two pluralities of bristle tufts, the pluralities of bristle tufts being spaced apart from each other by lengths of the bristle tufts.
 2. The paint brush of claim 1, wherein at least one plurality of bristle tufts defines longitudinal gaps between adjacent bristle tufts.
 3. The paint brush of claim 1, wherein at least one plurality of bristle tufts extends in a substantially parallel direction to a longitudinal axis of the ferrule, and defines a substantially straight edge transverse to a width of the brush portion.
 4. The paint brush of claim 1, wherein at least one plurality of bristle tufts is tapered lengthwise to define a substantially lesser thickness at a distal end from the ferrule.
 5. The paint brush of claim 1, wherein at least one plurality of bristle tufts extends in a substantially parallel direction to a longitudinal axis of the ferrule, and defines a substantially arcuate edge.
 6. The paint brush of claim 1, wherein at least one plurality of bristle tufts defines an edge at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the brush.
 7. The paint brush of claim 1, wherein the pluralities of extended bristle tufts are fanned outwardly from the ferrule.
 8. The paint brush of claim 7, wherein at least one plurality of fanned extended bristle tufts defines a substantially arcuate edge.
 9. The paint brush of claim 1, wherein at least one plurality of bristle tufts creates distinct and spaced paint marks when the paint brush is used to apply paint to a surface.
 10. The paint brush of claim 9, wherein bristles of each of the at least one plurality of bristle tufts come together to form a corresponding wet pointed tuft when the paintbrush is used to apply paint to a surface.
 11. The paint brush of claim 1, wherein at least one plurality of bristle tufts makes streaking paint marks when the paint brush is used to apply paint to a surface.
 12. The paint brush of claim 9, wherein a flow pattern of paint from the paint brush to the surface to be painted reflects a profile created by the at least one plurality of bristle tufts and painted surface particularities.
 13. The paint brush of claim 1, wherein the elongated handle is made of a polymer material.
 14. The paint brush as in claim 1, further comprising a hollow cover grip that covers at least a portion of the elongated handle in proximity of the ferrule.
 15. The paint brush as in claim 14, wherein the hollow cover grip has an undulating outer surface for ergonomical reasons to improve a handling, gripping and controlling of the paint brush.
 16. The paint brush as in claim 15, wherein the undulating outer surface of hollow cover grip has a dip and humps on either sides of the dip, the dip having a reduced cross section compared to a cross section of the central portion.
 17. An artist's paint brush comprising: a ferrule having a forward end and a backward end; an elongated handle connected to the backward end of the ferrule; and a brush portion secured to the forward end of the ferrule and extending outwardly therefrom, wherein the brush portion has at least two pluralities of bristle tufts, the pluralities of bristle tufts being spaced apart from each other by lengths of the bristle tufts, wherein at least one of the pluralities of bristle tufts are fanned outwardly from the ferrule, and wherein at least one of the pluralities of fanned bristle tufts defines a substantially arcuate edge.
 18. The paint brush of claim 17, wherein the at least one of the pluralities of bristle tufts makes streaking paint marks when the paint brush is used to apply paint to a surface.
 19. An artist's paint brush comprising: a ferrule having a forward end and a backward end; an elongated handle connected to the backward end of the ferrule; and a brush portion secured to the forward end of the ferrule and extending outwardly therefrom, wherein the brush portion has at least two pluralities of bristle tufts, the pluralities of bristle tufts being spaced apart from each other by lengths of the bristle tufts, wherein at least one of the pluralities of bristle tufts defines an edge at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the brush portion
 20. The paint brush of claim 19, wherein the at least one of the pluralities of bristle tufts makes streaking paint marks when the paint brush is used to apply paint to a surface.
 21. A paint brush comprising: a ferrule having a forward end and a rearward end; an elongated handle connected to the rearward end of the ferrule; and a brush portion secured to the forward end of the ferrule, wherein the brush portion has at least two pluralities of bristle tufts, the pluralities of bristle tufts being spaced apart from each other by lengths of the bristle tufts, and wherein bristle tufts of one of the at least two pluralities of bristle tufts are trimmed to exhibit a substantially abrupt edge.
 22. The paint brush of claim 21, wherein the abrupt edge is generally linearly transverse to a width of the brush portion.
 23. The paint brush of claim 22, wherein one of the least two pluralities of bristle tufts comprises at least six bristle tufts.
 24. The paint brush of claim 21, wherein at least one plurality of bristle tufts is tapered lengthwise to define a substantially lesser thickness at a distal end from the ferrule.
 25. The paint brush of claim 21, wherein the abrupt edge is substantially arcuate.
 26. The paint brush of claim 25, wherein one of the least two pluralities of bristle tufts comprises at least six bristle tufts.
 27. A paint brush comprising: a ferrule having a forward end and a rearward end; an elongated handle connected to the rearward end of the ferrule; and a brush portion secured to the forward end of the ferrule, wherein the brush portion has a plurality of long bristle tufts, and a plurality of shorter tufts, wherein the plurality of long bristle tufts are spaced apart from each other by the plurality of shorter tufts, the plurality of shorter tufts being trimmed to exhibit a substantially abrupt edge.
 28. The paint brush of claim 27, wherein the plurality of long bristle tufts is tapered lengthwise to define a substantially lesser thickness at a distal end from the ferrule.
 29. The paint brush of claim 27, wherein the abrupt edge is generally linearly transverse to a width of the brush portion.
 30. The paint brush of claim 27, wherein the plurality of long bristle tufts comprises at least six bristle tufts.
 31. The paint brush of claim 27, wherein the abrupt edge is substantially arcuate.
 32. The paint brush of claim 31, wherein the plurality of long bristle tufts comprises at least six bristle tufts. 